Broadcasting
Abia Radio, TV Workers Shut Station over Unpaid Salary, Deductions
Workers of Abia Broadcasting Corporation have shut down the station to protest against the state government’s failure to pay their outstanding April 2015 salary.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the strike, which commenced on Monday night, was at the instance of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the three unions in the organisation.
The unions consist of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union and Union of Secretarial, Reportorial, Data Processors and Allied Workers Union.
The workers are also protesting against alleged deductions of different percentages from their salaries without their consent.
NAN learnt that the government began to remove between 30 per cent and 40 per cent of the salaries, depending on each worker’s grade level in September 2015.
Although the leadership of the JAC could not be reached to speak on the action, a member told NAN on the condition of anonymity that the committee met on Monday and resolved to proceed on an indefinite strike.
“When the government committee on salary brought the payroll to the station, the unions rejected the continued deductions on our salaries.
“We produced another payroll with workers full salaries and took it to the committee but it was rejected so JAC met and resolved to embark on strike last night.”
The union leader further told NAN that workers promoted to new grade levels stopped enjoying the new grade salaries since 2015.
“Those who were promoted to new grade levels since 2015 are still paid their old salaries.
Some residents of Umuahia, who tuned in to the radio station for the usual 6.30 a.m. news on Tuesday said that they were surprised to find out that it was off air.
Mr Onwughara Ihejirika said that he was deeply disbursed when he woke up to listen to BCA news but discovered that the station was off air.
“It was disappointing,” Ihejirika said, adding that he tuned in to another station where the strike was reported.
Also, Messrs Chris Ugwu, Caroline Ife and Anthonia Igwe, all civil servants, also described the development as surprising and unfortunate.
When contacted, the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi, said that the issue had been resolved and workers resumed duty by about 10 a.m.
Okiyi said, “This morning, workers at the station protested the non-payment of their April 2015 salaries as well as other allowances.”
He said that the workers also “demanded an increase in their money to run the station”.
Okiyi said the issue was resolved at a meeting between their leaders, himself and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Obinna Oriaku. (NAN)
Broadcasting
51-Year-Old QNET User Breaks World Record with 20 Back Handsprings
QNET, a global wellness and lifestyle company, proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Anup Debnath, a 51-year-old fitness enthusiast, ardent user of QNET products, and resident of New Jersey, USA, who recently attempted to set a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to perform continuous back handsprings.
Debnath’s feat underscores the power of balanced health and wellness to maintain peak physical performance at any stage of life.
On October 19th, at the Marlboro Township Recreation Center, Debnath completed 20 continuous back handsprings, a remarkable testament to his strength, stamina, and unwavering discipline.
His journey back into gymnastics after nearly 27 years highlights the potential of a balanced lifestyle supported by QNET’s wellness products, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving extraordinary physical goals.
“To accomplish something like this at my age takes intense dedication, a consistent fitness regimen, and harmony of mind, body, and spirit,” Debnath shared.
“For the past two years, I’ve relied on the Amezcua Chi Pendant 4 with Amezcua Resonance Technology (ART) to keep me centered and energized.
Paired with other Amezcua products, like the Bio Disc 3, which energizes my food and structures the water I consume, giving me mental and physical balance, and the Bio Light 3, which aids in recovery by alleviating pain and discomfort after intense training, these products enhance my overall well-being and empower me to push my limits.”
QNET’s Chief Marketing Officer, Trevor Kuna, extended his heartfelt congratulations: “Anup’s achievement is extraordinary, and we are incredibly proud to have played a part in his journey.
“His belief in QNET’s Amezcua products reflects our mission—helping people achieve balance and wellness in every aspect of their lives.
“Anup’s story is a testament to discipline, resilience, and holistic well-being. We celebrate his inspiring feat and his commitment to greatness.”
QNET’s Amezcua Chi Pendant 4, which utilizes ART, is designed to support wearers in achieving holistic well-being by harmonizing physical, emotional, and mental energies.
Through Debnath’s achievement, QNET encourages individuals to explore how Amezcua technology can support their wellness journey at any stage in life, empowering them to achieve their own physical and mental potential.
Broadcasting
House of Reps Calls for N500bn Recapitalization of DisCos
House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to enforce a minimum capital base of N500 billion for electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to continue operations.
The lawmakers argue that only financially robust DisCos can ensure efficient service delivery and maximum consumer satisfaction.
This resolution was passed during Wednesday’s plenary following a motion by Ibrahim Isiaka, a representative from Ogun State.
Isiaka criticized the current operations of DisCos, describing their actions as a threat to the economic stability and welfare of Nigerians.
He highlighted consumer complaints regarding the replacement of electricity meters, noting that DisCos often demand additional payments despite consumers already financing the installation of meters.
Isiaka expressed concern over the financial burden this places on households and businesses struggling with economic challenges.
The motion also raised issues of consumer trust, alleging that DisCos operate with impunity and disregard for consumer rights, despite oversight from the regulatory authorities and the House Committee on Power.
The lawmakers unanimously adopted the motion through a voice vote conducted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
They urged the Ministry of Power to take immediate steps to address the “reckless actions” of DisCos, labeling them as non-state actors threatening Nigeria’s economy.
The House further mandated the recapitalization of DisCos to a minimum of N500 billion, insisting that only financially capable operators should be allowed to continue providing electricity services.
Additionally, the House Committee on Power was directed to investigate the activities of DisCos to ensure accountability and protect consumer rights.
Broadcasting
Chinenye Anuforo of The Sun Newspaper Honored for Excellence in ICT Journalism
Chinenye Anuforo, a distinguished journalist from The Sun Newspaper, has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to ICT journalism in Nigeria.
Last week, she received the ICT Innovation Storyteller Award at the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards, celebrating her ability to craft compelling narratives that highlight the complexities and potential of the ICT sector.
“Chinenye’s dedication to her craft is evident in her insightful analysis and engaging storytelling,” said Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener of the ATAEx Awards.
“Her work has consistently illuminated the significant impact of technology on society, making her a deserving recipient of this award.”
The accolades continued as Anuforo was named the ICT Reporter of the Year at the Africa Digital Awards (ADA) just a week later.
This prestigious award further cements her status as a leading voice in the ICT industry.
Mr. Tayo Adewusi, Publisher/Coordinator of NIICF & ADA, who presented the award, praised Anuforo’s role in shaping public discourse on ICT issues.
“Her reports have not only informed but also inspired, making her a true champion of digital innovation,” he said.
Expressing her gratitude, Chinenye Anuforo stated, “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive these awards.
“I am grateful to my editors at The Sun Newspapers for their unwavering support and to the organizers of the ATAEx Awards and Africa Digital Awards for recognizing my work.
“It is a privilege to contribute to the growth of the ICT sector in Nigeria through journalism.”
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